'Never take things for granted' - Virgil van Dijk revels in winning first trophy as Liverpool captain after heading Reds to Carabao Cup glory against Chelsea

The centre-back scored a towering header in extra-time to beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley to secure the Reds their first trophy of the season. And after the game, the 32-year-old, who replaced Jordan Henderson as skipper at the start of the campaign, described how much this victory meant, his matchwinner, and outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp.

When asked how much this meant, the former Celtic man told Sky Sports: "So much. All the young boys on the pitch, in extra time. It's incredible, I'm so proud of the team. "Intense game for both sides, they had chances we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain, it's all for the fans so let's enjoy it."

On his goal, he added: "It's emotion, it's everything I am so proud of the boys. All of the young boys playing their part in what we achieved today it's incredible and on to more."

And when asked about savouring this triumph with Klopp as manager, he said: "You should always savour the good moments, this is definitely one of them. Listen, we will never take things for granted and you see today it could have been the other was as well that we lost but we did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game. I'm so proud, proud to be part of this club and especially proud of the boys."

Liverpool's bid to win four trophies this season, including the FA Cup, Premier League, and Europa League, is now on following their Carabao Cup triumph. With Klopp stepping down this summer as manager, Van Dijk and his team-mates will savour moments like these and try to give the German the perfect send-off.

Liverpool, who have a hefty injury list, don't have long to recover from this one as they face Championship side Southampton in round five of the FA Cup on Wednesday at Anfield, before taking on Nottingham Forest on March 3 in the Premier League.